California beach shack named one of Americas best waterfront eats

A tiny Central Coast seafood shack is making some seriously big waves.Mersea’s, the laid-back eatery perched on Harford Pier in Avila Beach, has landed the No.4 spot on Time Out’s newly released list of America’s best waterfront restaurants — proving you don’t need a fancy tasting menu to reel in national acclaim.The coastal favorite beat out seaside spots across the country, with only restaurants in Rhode Island, South Carolina and Florida ranking higher.“Not every great waterfront restaurant needs white tablecloths or a dress code, and Mersea’s is proof,” the outlet wrote of the Cali gem.The publication praised the restaurant’s “refreshingly laid-back, come-as-you-are atmosphere,” where diners settle into wooden booths overlooking the water while “fishing boats, sea otters and barking seals drift in and out of view throughout the day.” California's top news, sports and entertainment delivered to your inbox every day.

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Never miss a story The menu is equally unfussy.Mersea’s signature clam chowder was singled out — served New England or Manhattan-style in a sourdough bread bowl — along with its fish tacos, fish and chips and other seafood comfort-food staples.According to its website, the pier-side favorite also dishes up shrimp cocktails, oysters, crab cakes, steamer clams, burgers, sandwiches, fresh salads loaded with seafood, garlic bread and Alaskan cod and chips, alongside beer, cocktails and sweeping ocean views.Adding to the easygoing vibe, the restaurant frequently hosts live music performances, giving diners another reason to linger after polishing off a basket of fish and chips.Located at 3985 Avila Beach Drive on Harford Pier, the restaurant doesn’t take reservations — it’s first come, first served.Its name even carries a fitting coastal meaning: “Mersea” transla...